The Collapse

Chapter 27: The Bearer

Alder raced through the decrepit streets, the servo-motors on his armor whirring to keep up with his breakneck pace. He had easily outrun the artillery, with his enhanced hearing helping to locate shells in the air. He looked to the sky, seeing a blood-red spot growing above the city.

What have you done, Talon?

He finally arrived at the center of the city, where a ruined park had been rotting all these years after the Collapse. A toppled statue of an ancient leader lay on its side, and on top of it stood a tall figure, clad in red power armor and facing the warped sky.

"TALON!" Alder bellowed his brother's name.

The figure turned upon hearing his name, opening his arms wide as if to welcome Alder. "Ah, my long-lost brother," Talon spoke, dropping off the monument and sauntering towards Alder. "I have missed you, you know. What was it you used to say? Ah, yes. I remember -- brothers until the end. Whatever happened to that sentiment?"

"Silence!" Alder roared. "You know damn well what happened to that sentiment. Or do you not remember that, dear brother?"

The cool smile faded from Talon's face, and replaced itself with a cold sneer as his arms fell. "No. Your memory is flawed, as it always was. You opened the gate for me --"

"You tricked me!"

"It was necessary."

"You killed Mother!"

The sneer disappeared, and twisted with rage. "Her death was collateral damage."

Alder snorted. "You speak as if she was a stranger."

By this time, Talon was shouting. "She wasn't with me, so she was against me. That's how it is in the wastelands. You know that as well as I do."

"Enough! I'll not argue with a madman. Tell me, Talon, what have you done?"

The red-clad warrior grinned maniacally. "I'm sure it hasn't escaped your knowledge that you are an Enigma. But it may surprise you to realize I am one as well. Through years of studying surviving tomes, I have found how to enhance my strength beyond this limiting form. And I have come to ask you to complete the transformation with me."

Alder tensed. "Why should I?"

"If you will bow to me and only me as your lord, I will make you a demigod. You will be feared by all, and none shall stand against you. You will have total control over these pesky mortals. All of this, if you will only take my hand."

Alder didn't have to think twice about his reply. "Never!"

Talon's face contorted with fury. "I knew that would be your answer, so it appears you still require convincing. Behold the power I offer!" And with that, he began to change.

Talon's furious face began to elongate, taking the form of a hairless hound. Two massive spikes burst from his chestplate, and he grew another three feet in a matter of seconds. Shards of bone ripped themselves out of the skin above his eyebrows, and a massive, red axe manifested itself in his hand. The Talon-thing spoke again, though his voice was now bestial and guttural. "This is what I offer in return for your eternal service!" He pointed his axe at Alder. "Make your final choice!"

Alder drew his chainblade and aimed his ECR. "I'd rather die than join a. . . a monster."

The inhuman eyes narrowed. "So be it." Talon lifted his axe into the air, red lightning glinting off the metal.